# moan

/ˈmoʊn/ (US) · /mˈəʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moan
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to make a low sound

verb · CEFR B2

to make a long, low sound because you are in pain, very sad, or experiencing pleasure.

For teachers: to emit a low, sustained vocal sound expressive of physical pain, grief, or sexual pleasure.

- The injured player began to moan as the medics moved his leg.
- The wind continued to moan through the narrow mountain passes, creating an eerie atmosphere that unsettled the hikers.

### 2. to complain

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to complain about something in a way that other people find annoying.

For teachers: to grumble or complain persistently, often about trivial matters. Frequently used intransitively or with a 'that' clause.

- Stop moaning about the weather; there is nothing we can do to change it.
- He spent the entire dinner moaning about his commute, oblivious to the fact that everyone else had traveled much further to be there.

### 3. a low sound

noun · CEFR B2

a low sound of pain, sadness, or pleasure.

For teachers: a low, prolonged sound of sorrow, pain, or physical pleasure.

- A low moan came from the bedroom where the patient was resting.
- The heavy wooden door opened with a long, metallic moan that echoed through the empty hallway.

### 4. a complaint

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

an act of complaining about something.

For teachers: an instance of grumbling or complaining, typically perceived as tedious by the listener.

- She had a good moan about her boss over a cup of coffee.
- After a brief moan about the rising cost of electricity, the committee moved on to the more pressing items on the agenda.

## Examples

- He let out a low moan when he tried to stand up.
- The long-suffering staff had to listen to his constant moan about the office temperature every single morning.
- The wind through the ancient rafters created a haunting moan that kept the nervous guests awake throughout the stormy night.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.